Breadcrumb navigation

Applications Open for Kaiapoi Berths

The Waimakariri District Council is preparing for a rush of applicants as expressions of interest open for long-term berths within the Kaiapoi Marine Precinct.

A programme of dredging over winter has prepared the way for the final 115 metres of floating pontoon to be installed and it’s expected the precinct will be fully operational from next month.

A section of 60 metres of the pontoon has been reserved for long-term berths, that’s defined as those staying longer than 14 days. The Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board have already provisionally allocated two berths to vessels that previously held long-term spots at the wharf, should they wish to remain in the precinct.

With high interest expected in the remaining spots, the Council will allocate berths through a random draw. Those who aren’t fortunate enough to be drawn will be offered a place on the waiting list for future vacancies. To qualify for the draw, interested parties will have to meet a set of criteria including already owning a vessel and having appropriate insurance in place.

Elsewhere in the precinct, 30 metres of the pontoon adjacent to the Riverview Terraces and 28 metres of wharf will be reserved for a mix of casual and short-term berthing. Vessels visiting casually will be able to moor in those areas without a booking provided space is available and they don’t remain overnight. Short-term bookings will also be available through the Waimakariri District Council for those wishing to stay between two and 14 days.

Both long and short-term berths will offer the option to live aboard under certain conditions, however those living on-board longer than 14 days will need prior approval.

A 25 metre berth has also been allocated to the River Queen. The replica paddle steamer is currently being refitted to operate cruises along the Kaiapoi River after being purchased by a local group.

The installation of the final pontoon marks the completion of the $9.5M Kaiapoi Marine Precinct area; with the remainder of the riverbank works to be completed on the upstream side of the Williams Street Bridge, including a proposed Rowing precinct. The project started in 2014 with repairs and strengthening work on the existing wharves and preparations for the rebuild of the Coastguard building. Developing the precinct has included extensive rebuilding of the stop banks, construction of the Riverview Terraces and extensive landscaping and lighting upgrades.

The precinct is supported by the recently adopted Kaiapoi Town Centre Plan, which casts a vision of Kaiapoi as “New Zealand’s Best Rivertown” and promotes the potential of the town to become a vibrant and attractive destination. The Council has invested heavily in Kaiapoi following the Canterbury earthquakes with the rebuild of Williams Street, construction of the Ruataniwha Civic Centre and the addition of new sports fields, BMX track and dog park.

Last month a concept for building an Olympic level aquasports park in Kaiapoi was announced by the WHoW Charitable Trust; they are currently raising funds on Givealittle for a pre-feasibility study to be completed.